Subject
Boston (Mass.) -- Social life and customs Books
Best books
Samuel Adams Drake
Old Boston Taverns and Tavern Clubs
"Old Boston Taverns and Tavern Clubs" by Samuel Adams Drake is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the rich history and cultural significance of taverns in Boston, particularly focusing on their roles within the community from the colonial era through the Revolutionary War. The text is likely to interest readers who appreciate historical narratives that explore social institutions and their influence on community and political life. The opening of the book presents a foreword discussing the importance of taverns as institutions in Old Boston and how they contributed to the historical landscape of the community. It sets the stage by highlighting the decline of taverns in contemporary society and suggests that an exploration of their past can provide valuable insights into social manners and local dynamics. The author references early taverns such as Cole's Inn, examining how they served as gathering places for social and political discourse, ultimately framing the narrative of taverns as vital hubs in the evolution of Boston's social fabric.
Francis J. (Francis Joseph) Grund
Aristocracy in America. From the sketch-book of a German nobleman. vol. 1 (of 2)
"Aristocracy in America: From the Sketch-Book of a German Nobleman, Vol. 1" edited by Francis J. Grund is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a commentary on American society through the lens of European aristocracy, exploring the cultural and social dynamics between the classes in a burgeoning republic. The primary focus appears to be an examination of the aspirations toward aristocracy among Americans and the various societal pretensions that arise from it. The opening portion of the text sets the scene for a detailed exploration of American aristocracy as viewed by a German noble and his editor. In a reflective introduction, the editor outlines that the observations originate from a journey across various American cities, specifically zeroing in on the class distinctions and societal behavior of the upper echelons of society. The narrative unfolds through a mix of personal anecdotes and the setting of conversations among well-to-do individuals, revealing their often ironic disdain for democratic principles and their yearning for aristocratic status. Notably, it hints at the tensions between natural social aspirations and the country’s foundational ideals of equality, setting the stage for deeper explorations in the following chapters.
Anna Green Winslow
Diary of Anna Green Winslow, a Boston School Girl of 1771
"Diary of Anna Green Winslow, a Boston School Girl of 1771" by Anna Green Winslow is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The diary entries reveal the daily life of a young girl navigating the social and domestic expectations of 18th-century New England. The main character, Anna, presents herself as an industrious and observant child, recorded with youthful vanity and innocence, which makes her reflections fascinating for readers interested in historical perspectives. The opening of the diary introduces Anna's life as she settles into Boston after moving from Nova Scotia for schooling. We learn about her eager attempts to impress her family through her writing, detailed accounts of the sermons she attends, and the modest dress-making and sewing skills she acquires. The content reflects her day-to-day experiences, her interactions with family members, and her observations about social gatherings, education, and her admiration for religious teachings. These diary entries provide rich insights into the childhood and societal values of the time while capturing Anna’s spirited and whimsical personality.
Francis J. (Francis Joseph) Grund
Aristocracy in America. From the sketch-book of a German nobleman. vol. 2 (of 2)
"Aristocracy in America: From the Sketch-Book of a German Nobleman" edited by Francis J. Grund is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The work explores the perceptions and experiences of a European aristocrat traveling through early American society, contrasting its social hierarchies and values with those of Europe. The author investigates the dynamics between different social classes, particularly focusing on the emerging American aristocracy and its complicated relationship with the lower classes. The opening of the text introduces the author's arrival in Boston, where he observes the city's unique blend of old-world charm and new democratic ideals. He details the exclusivity of the higher classes, their disdain for the lower orders, and the economic realities of the American aristocracy. The narrative reflects the tension between wealth and class status in a society that values individual merit over lineage, while also highlighting the often self-imposed boundaries that separate different social groups. Through his interactions and observations in various locations, the German nobleman critiques the emerging social order and the contradictions inherent in American egalitarianism, setting the stage for a deeper examination of these themes in the ensuing chapters.
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